MX2010012920A

MX2010012920A - Configurable deadfront fusible panelboard.

Info

Publication number: MX2010012920A
Application number: MX2010012920A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Matthew R Darr; Lalita R Creighton
Original assignee: Cooper Technologies Co
Priority date: 2010-01-21
Filing date: 2010-11-25
Publication date: 2011-07-20
Also published as: GB201021463D0; CA2723661C; ES2401613R1; AR083139A1; BRPI1107285A2; ES2401613B1; ITTO20110029A1; DE102011002874A1; CA2723661A1; IT1404522B1; ES2401613A2; US20110176258A1; FR2955425A1; GB2477182A; US8134828B2

Abstract

Panelboard assemblies that are configurable by the end user to accommodate user selected fusible switching disconnect devices of different ratings and sizes. Deadfront interfaces are made possible with terminal covers independently operable from a panel door and a reconfigurable branch circuit enclosure cover. An integral load side disconnect switch facilitates selective coordination of feeder circuit loads, and increased interrupting ratings per volume are made possible.

Description

FUSE BOARD FRONT WITHOUT CONFIGURABLE CURRENT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention relates in general to electrical control panels and, more specifically, to fuse boards for electric power systems.

Fuses are widely used as surge protection devices to prevent large damage to electrical circuits. Normally, the fuse terminals form an electrical connection between a source of electrical energy and an electrical component or a combination of components arranged in an electrical circuit. One or more links or elements or an assembly of fuse elements are connected between the fuse terminals, so that, when the electrical current through the fuse exceeds a predetermined limit, the fuse elements melt and open one or more circuits through the fuse to prevent damage to electrical components.

Sometimes, for power distribution purposes, the fuses are arranged and are surrounded by a board, sometimes referred to as a control panel. Other circuit protection components such as branch circuits are also commonly used in combination with fuses in boards. A main service device connects a power supply with and from the board and, normally, the branch circuits and fuses provide circuit protection for branch circuits being powered by the panel through the main disconnect. When the main service device is a disconnect switch, it can be used to de-energize all branch circuits, or the individual branch circuits can be de-energized using the branch circuits, while the main disconnect remains connected and the other circuits derivatives that still receive electricity supply. In addition, when electrical fault conditions occur, circuit protectors (for example, branch circuits and fuses) can be selectively coordinated, so that only the branch circuit or affected feeder circuit can be interrupted, while the other branch circuits and feeder circuits continue their normal operation with full power.

For certain applications, branch circuits tend to have practical limitations on the rated current interruption capacities of such boards, as well as practical limitations on the size of the boards. It would be desirable to provide smaller boards with higher nominal interruption capacities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Non-limiting modalities are described and no exhaustive with reference to the following Figures, in which similar reference numbers refer to similar parts in all different views, unless otherwise specified.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary saddle box, main service disconnect and chassis of an exemplary fuse board.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary board cover configured to coincide with the frame box of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of exemplary fuse disconnection devices connected to exemplary bus bars and support rails.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary mount bracket configured to mount a fuse disconnect device with a support rail.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary fuse disconnect device configured to be mounted on the mount bracket of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of exemplary bus bars, support rails and fuse disconnects connected in a distributed phase configuration.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a box of exemplary mount, main service disconnection, fuse disconnection devices, and live front panel of an exemplary fuse board.

Figure 8 is an exploded view of an exemplary fuse board.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary main terminal element barrier with integral cover in an open position.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the main terminal element barrier shown in Figure 9 with the integral cover in a closed position.

Figure 11 is a front elevational view of a portion of the board with barriers of main terminal elements installed and covers in a closed position.

Figure 12 is a front elevation view similar to Figure 11, but showing the covers in an open position.

Figure 13 is a partial front elevation view of a portion of the board showing an integral load side disconnect switch.

Figure 14 is a full elevation view of the panel shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary configurable derived case cover for a fuse board.

Fig. 16 is an elevation view showing the derivative box cover configurable with exemplary fuse switching disconnection modules.

Figure 17 shows the configurable derivative box cover and fuse switch disconnection modules installed in a fuse board.

Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary spare fuse holder for a fuse board.

Figure 19 illustrates internal components of an exemplary fuse switching disconnect device for a fuse board assembly.

Figure 20 is a front elevational view of an exemplary door assembly for a fuse board assembly.

Recently, fuse-switching disconnection devices have been developed that simulate the switching capacity of the branch circuits, but do not include branch circuits. Thus, when using such fuse switching disconnection devices in boards, it can increase the board's current interrupting capacity, in addition, to reduce the size of the board. The disconnection devices also house the fuses without including a separate fuse holder, and also establish the electrical connection without holding the fuse to the side terminals of line and load.

First, with reference to Figure 19, there is illustrated an exemplary fuse switching disconnection device 50 that can be advantageously used in the fuse panel assembly (described above) to increase the rated fuse capacity thereof, while reducing the physical size of the board per se.

As shown in Figure 19, the device 50 is provided as a module that includes a non-conductive commutator housing 52 configured or adapted to receive a rectangular fuse module 54. The fuse module 54 is a known assembly that includes a rectangular housing 56 and terminal blades 58 that extend from the housing 56. A fuse element or primary fuse assembly is located within the housing 56 and electrically connected between the blades terminal 58. Such fuse modules 54 are known and, in one embodiment, are CUBEFuse ™ energy fuse modules commercially available from Cooper / Bussmann of St. Louis, Missouri.

A line side fuse clip 60 can be located within the switch housing 52 and can receive one of the terminal blades 58 of the fuse module 54. A fuse clamp 62 can also be located lateral load inside the switch housing 52 and can receive the other terminal blades 58 of fuses. The line side fuse clip 60 can be electrically connected to a line side terminal that includes a fixed switch contact 64. The lateral load fuse clip 62 can be electronically connected to a lateral load terminal 66.

A rotary switch actuator 68 is further provided in the switch housing 52 and mechanically coupled with an actuator link 70 which, in turn, engages a sliding actuator bar 72. The actuator bar carries a pair of switch contacts 74 and 76. A side loading terminal 78 including a fixed contact 80 is also provided. The electrical connection to the power supply circuitry can be made in a known manner using the line side terminal 78, and the electrical connection to the load side circuitry can be made in a known manner using the side loading terminal 66. It is known and possible to use a variety of connection techniques (for example, clamp terminals with screws and the like). The configuration of terminals 78 and 66 shown are exemplary only.

Switch-off switching can be performed by rotating the switch actuator 68 in the direction of the arrow A, which causes the link 70 of the actuator to move the sliding bar 72 linearly in the direction of the arrow B and move the switch contacts 74 and 76 towards the fixed contacts 64 and 80. Finally, the switch contacts 74 and 76 are mechanically and electrically coupled with the fixed contacts 64 and 80 and a circuit path through the fuse 54 is closed between the line and load terminals 78 and 66. When the actuator 68 moves in the opposite direction indicated by the arrow C in Figure 19, the actuator link 70 causes the slide bar 72 to move linearly in the direction of the arrow D and push the contacts 74 and 76 of the switch away from the fixed contacts 64 and 80 to open the circuit path through the fuse 54. As such, by moving the actuator 68 to a desired position, the fuse 54 and the associated load side circuitry can be connected and disconnected from each other. the lateral line circuitry while the lateral line circuitry remains "with current" in operation with full power.

In addition, the fuse module 54 can simply be plugged into or removed from the fuse clamps 60, 62 to install or remove the fuse module 54 from the switch housing 52. Such a plug connection advantageously facilitates a quick and convenient installation and removal of the fuse 54 without requiring Fusible carrier elements provided separately and without requiring common tools or fasteners for other known disconnection devices. Likewise, the fuse terminal blades 58 project from the same side of the fuse housing 56 in a generally parallel manner, so that the fuse is free from contact (i.e., it can be handled manually safely without risk). of electrical discharge) when installing and removing the fuse 54.

In ordinary use, preferably, the circuit is switched on and off at the switch contacts 64, 74, 76 and 80 instead of the fuse clamps 60 and 62. The arcing that can occur when the circuit is turned on / off can be contained in a location away from the fuse clamps 60 and 62 to provide additional safety to persons installing, removing or replacing fuses. Upon opening the disconnect module 50 with the switch actuator 68 prior to installing or removing the fuse module 54, any risk is incurred by the formation of electric arcs or metal with electric current in the fuse and housing interconnection. Accordingly, it is believed that the disconnect module 50 is safer to use than many known fuse disconnect switches.

As should be evident, the device 50 of Switching disconnect provides protection for circuits with fuses and a switching capacity in a modular packaging that obviates the need for a branch circuit commonly used in certain boards to provide a switching capability. The costs of the branch circuit can be eliminated, along with the costs associated with having a separate wire or connecting the branch circuit to the fuse in a board assembly. As the number of branch circuits in the board assembly increases, cost savings become even more evident.

In addition, the disconnect device 50 is compact and can easily occupy less space in a fuse board assembly than combinations of in-line fuses and branch circuits. In particular, CUBEFuse ™ power fuse modules occupy a smaller area, sometimes called footprint, in the panel assembly than rectangular fuses that have comparable ratings and interrupting capabilities. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the boards.

In addition, the practical limitations in the board assembly interruption ratings by virtue of the branch circuits are no longer a problem, and it is possible to provide higher interruption ratings for fuse boards.

The details and additional features of the devices such as the device 50 are more fully described in the co-pending and commonly owned US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 941,212 which has been incorporated for reference herein. The state monitoring characteristics of the fuses and the trip characteristics described therein, among other things, present desirable additional points for switching disconnection devices for panel applications.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fuse board assembly 100 that includes a mount case 102, a main service device 104 and a chassis 106. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a dashboard deck 108 exemplary configured to match the frame box 102 of Figure 1. The frame case 102 is configured to receive multiple fuse-switching disconnect devices 110 which may correspond to the devices 50 (Figure 19) including the modules 54 of rectangular fuses.

The frame case 102 includes a substantially rectangular metal frame 112 having an upper edge 114, a lower edge 116, left and right side edges 118 and 120, and a rear panel 122. The edges 114, 116, 118 and 120 and the panel 122 of the frame 112 define a space 124 in which the main service device 104, the chassis 106 and the fuse switching connection devices 110 are mounted. In various embodiments, the frame case 102 can be fabricated from metallic or non-metallic materials, including but not limited to laminated aluminum metal suitable for indoor and outdoor use. In exemplary embodiments, the frame case 102 may also comply with an industrial standard for electrical equipment, which includes, without limitation, a standard from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) for NEMA Type 1, NEMA Type 3R or other types NEMA The frame case 102 can be configured to be flush mounted or mounted on the surface against a wall or other support structure. In such a flush mount installation, the frame box 102 can be recessed with a hole in the wall. In a surface mount installation, the mount case 102 can be attached to (and project out from) the support wall or structure.

The cover 108 (Figure 2) is shaped and sized to correspond to the shape of the frame case 100 (Figure 1). In particular, and with the exemplary embodiments shown in Figure 2, the cover 108 includes a front panel 126 and exterior edges 128, 130, 132, 134 configured to slidably engage the exterior surfaces of the edges 114, 116, 118, 120 of the frame case 100 (Figure 1). The cover 108 (Figure 2) also includes a door 136, which an operator can open to gain access to the fuse switching disconnect devices 110 (Figure 1). The frame case 102 and the cover 108 can provide "no-current front" safety protection, which means that the fuse panel is configured so that a person can not come into contact with any electrical part, with current or "active" or components that may represent a risk of electric shock.

The main service device 104 provides the active energy that provides current to the branch circuits associated with the fuse-switching disconnect devices 110. For example, the main service disconnect device 104 may include non-switchable tab-type connections, a branch circuit, a fuse, a trip switch without fuses, and / or a fuse-switching disconnection device in various modes. By way of example only, in certain exemplary embodiments, the main service disconnect device 1020 may include a mechanical or compression tab of 100-800 amperes, a Class T fuse with a 250A commutator with molded case Eaton or Siemens G series , a Class T fuse with a 200-amp or 400-amp Boltswitch desynchronization, an IEC / UL power fuse or a 225-amp underfeed tab. The main service device 104, as the case may be, may also include a switch actuator 138 by means of which an operator can turn the active power on and off (i.e., connect or disconnect the power supply to the board assembly 100). .

In an exemplary embodiment, chassis 106 includes a pair of support rails 140, a ground bar 142, a neutral bar 144, and multiple live collector bars 146. In operation, the active energy flows through the main service disconnect device 104 to each of the live bus bars 146. The live bus bars 146, in turn, provide power to the branch circuits through the fuse-switching disconnection devices 110. Each fuse switching disconnect device 110 is mounted on a mount bracket 1210 (also shown in Figure 3) coupled with one of the support rails 140 and a branch connector 150 (shown in Figures 3 and 6) coupled with one or more bars 146 live collectors. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, each fuse disconnect device 110 can be mounted directly on the support rail 140 and / or the live bus bar or bars 146.

The variation of the number of live bus bars 146 to which a fuse switching disconnect device 1010 is electrically coupled (via the branch connector 150) can vary the voltage of the electricity provided by each fuse switching disconnect device 110. to its corresponding branch circuit. For example, a fuse-switching disconnect device 110 electrically coupled to two of the live bus bars 146 can carry 240V for its branch circuit, while the fuse-switch disconnect device 110 electrically coupled with only one of the bars 146 Live collectors, can transport 120V for its branch circuit.

In various embodiments, the chassis 106 can assume many different suitable electrical configurations. For example, the chassis 106 can be configured to receive 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 or any suitable number of fuse-switching disconnection devices 110. The chassis 106 can also be configured to provide, for example, single-phase three-wire power, single-phase single or three-phase cables through the fuse-switching disconnection devices 110. Certain exemplary embodiments of a distributed phase configuration are described in the following with reference to the Figure 6 The fuse switching disconnect devices 110 integrate protection for circuits with fuses and a switching capacity in a single relatively compact device that does not require or otherwise does not involve a branch circuit to selectively coordinate the critical loads connected to the board to through the branch circuits corresponding to the devices 110. The compact size of the fuse switching disconnection devices 110 allows the fuse panel to provide a higher level of overcurrent interruption in a smaller space than with traditional boards. While, in general, traditional fuse panels have a width of at least 71.1 cm (28 inches), the fuse panels with the exemplary mount box 100 and the switch disconnection devices 110 have a smaller width, in the order about 50.8 cm (20 inches). However, the depths and heights of the traditional and exemplary board assembly 100 are essentially the same.

The volume interruption classification of a fuse board assembly 100 including the devices 110 is. of about 33 amps per cubic inch in one mode. This value is significantly higher than in traditional boards, which usually have interruption rating values by volume of between 2 and 8 amps per cubic inch. Table 1 below summarizes and compares volume interruption rating values for several different boards, including traditional boards and fuse board assembly 100.

Table 1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the disconnection device 110 of exemplary fuses connected to exemplary collector bars 146 and support rails 140. Each fuse disconnect device 110 it is mounted on a mount bracket 148 coupled to one of the support rails 140 and a branch connector 150 coupled to one or more of the live collector bars 146 through an electrical connection point 152. In alternative embodiments, each fuse disconnect device 110 can be mounted directly on the support rail 140 and / or the live bus bar or bars 146.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary mount support 148. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary fuse disconnect device 110 configured to be mounted on the mount bracket 148 of Figure 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the mount bracket 148 includes multiple "T" shaped protuberances 154. "(Figure 4), each of which is configured to engage with a corresponding" T "notch 156 (Figure 5) of a fuse disconnect device 110. The protrusions 254 may prevent the installation within the fuse board of an incompatible device that does not have such a corresponding notch 156. Therefore, protuberances 154 can prevent the installation of inappropriate or unwanted devices, such as traditional branch circuit devices with inadequate interruption ratings. However, it is recognized that similar functionality can be provided otherwise, for example, the mount support 148 can including a notch configured to receive a protrusion corresponding to the fuse disconnect device 110. The notches and protuberances of the mount bracket 148 and device 110 may have any suitable shape.

Similarly, it is recognized that notches 154 and protuberances 156 as described may be considered optional in some embodiments. As such, it is not necessary that the mount bracket 148 include the protuberances 154 and / or it is not necessary that each fuse disconnect device 110 includes the groove 156.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of exemplary collector bars 146, support rails 150 and fuse disconnect devices 110 connected in a distributed phase configuration. Each collector bar 146 is connected to a different phase of the electric current. Specifically, the bus 146a is connected to a first phase of the electric current ("Phase A"); the bus 146b is connected to a second phase of the electric current ("Phase B"); and the collecting bar 146c is connected with a third phase of the electric current ("Phase C").

The fuse disconnection devices 110 can be connected to the different phases of the electric current through connectors 150a, 150b and 150c derived coupled with the 146 busbars. Each of the derived 150a connectors is associated with Phase A; each of the derived connectors 150b is associated with Phase B; and each of the derived connectors 150c is associated with Phase C. Each fuse disconnect device 110 is mounted to a mount bracket 148 coupled to one of the support rails 140 and a branch connector 150 coupled with one or more of bars 146 live collectors. The configuration illustrated in Figure 6 is exemplary only, however, other suitable configurations may be used in alternative embodiments.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary board assembly 200 similar to the assembly 100. The assembly 200 includes a mounting case 102, a main service disconnecting device 120, fuse switching disconnection devices 110 and a panel 202 front without current of an exemplary fuse board. The powerless front panel 202 is coupled to the mount case 102 and is configured to be arranged between the mount case 102 and the cover 108 of FIG. 37. For example, an operator can observe the front panel 202 without current to the open the door 136 (Figure 2) of the cover 108.

The powerless front panel 202 includes an exemplary spare fuse holder 204 configured to receive one or more of the power disconnect devices 206. spare fuses. For example, the fuse disconnecting devices 206 may in essence be identical to the fuse disconnecting device 110. The replacement fuse disconnect devices 206 are not electrically coupled to the busbars 146 (Figure 36) of the fuse board or any branch circuit coupled thereto. Instead, the fuse disconnect devices 206 are configured to lie within the spare fuse holder 204 until removed by an operator. For example, an operator can remove a fuse disconnect device 206 from the replacement fuse holder 204 to replace a fuse disconnect device 1010 with the fuse disconnect device 206.

Figure 8 is an exploded view of an exemplary fuse board assembly 220 similar to board 100 (Figure 1) described in the foregoing in many aspects. Similar to the board assembly 100, the assembly 220 includes a box 220, a chassis 224 and a door 226 that can be removed relative to the chassis 224 between an open position (not shown) that provides access to the chassis and a closed position (shown in Figure 1) that blocks access to chassis 22. The chassis 224 may include a main service device 228 such as any of those described above. Because these characteristics have been described in the foregoing in detail in Regarding the assembly 100, additional details will not be repeated and the reader will refer to the previous statement of these elements.

Unlike assembly 100, in panel assembly 200, chassis 224 can be configured to interchangeably adapt fuse switching disconnect devices 110 (which may correspond to devices 50 shown in Figure 19) of different voltage ratings. , and therefore, different sizes. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, due to the manner in which the rectangular fuse modules 54 are constructed (Figure 19), the physical size of the fuse modules 54 increases and, consequently, the size of the fuse must also increase. switch housing 52 (Figure 19) in the devices 50 for adapting the fuse modules 54. More specifically, the lateral space between the fuse terminal blades 58, measured in a normal or perpendicular direction to the plane of the terminal blades 58, increases as the voltage capacity of the fuses increases. Likewise, the size of the terminal blades 58, as well as the assembly of internal fuse elements, increases as the voltage capacity of the fuse increases. As a consequence, a rectangular CUBEFuse ™ module with a voltage capacity of 30A has a smaller dimension (length, width and height) than a CUBEFuse that has a voltage capacity of 60A, and a CUBEFuse ™ module that has a voltage capacity of 60A has a smaller dimension (length, width and height) than a CUBEFuse ™ that has a voltage capacity of 100A. In the CUBEFuse ™ example, fuse modules that have voltage capacities of 1-30A are available in a first module size, fuse modules that have voltage capacities of 40-60A are available in a second module size larger than the first module size and fuse modules that have voltage capacities of 70-100A are available in a third module size larger than the second module size. Of course, it is also possible to have other amperage capacities or voltage capacity margins.

As explained in the following, chassis 224 is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of fuse-switching disconnect modules 110 of various sizes and voltage capabilities that can be selected for a particular end-use application. The panel assembly 200 can be configured in a safe and simple manner for its specific use, either at the manufacturer level or at the end user level. Such configuration and security capability is provided, as will be explained in the following, with the use of components modular with a more or less low cost that provide substantial flexibility to the end user to adapt them for specific use. That is, the customized fabrication of the board assembly is avoided while providing some capacity for the end user to personalize the assembly for particular use. Additional features are also provided to reduce the size of the board assembly in general with simultaneous practical benefits.

Figures 9-12 illustrate example barrier elements 240 that can be used in board assembly 220. The barrier elements 240 surround and enclose the terminals 240 that connect the main service device 228 (Figure 8) and the busbars of the chassis 224 and physically isolate them from each other. When the main service device 228 has fuses per se (perhaps with non-rectangular fuses, as shown in Figure 14), the fuses can be contained within the confines of the barrier elements 240.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the barrier elements 214 include side walls 242, 244 and an integral cover 246 movable by an active hinge in the example shown between an open position (Figures 9 and 10) and a closed position (FIG. Figures 10 and 12). When installed, the side walls 242, 244 separate the adjacent terminals in the chassis with each other and prevent short-circuit conditions that could be created inadvertently between the terminals. Upon closing, the covers 246 enclose and prevent any access to the terminals when the panel door is removed, as shown in Figure 11. In addition, a configurable branch circuit cover 254 is also provided to prevent potential exposure to the portions. of the chassis in the vicinity of the switching disconnection devices 110. As such, a front working area without current is provided, and even when the panel door is not present.

Further, when a flange 248 is removed from the panel door, the terminals are protected on the front and sides and an expert, for example, is essentially protected against inadvertent contact with active portions with electrical current from the terminals while Maintains the panel.

The covers 246 of the barrier element, when desired, can be opened to provide access to the terminals. In the example shown, a simple retention 250 is formed at one end of the bit member 240 and a retention tab 252 is provided at one end of the cover 252. The retention tab 252 in this example can be easily retained or released with a coupling or pressure release by applying slight pressure on the retaining flange 252. Of course, other holding characteristics or blocking arrangements are possible. It is also contemplated that in another embodiment, the cover does not need to be integral with the elements of the barrier and can be provided and joined separately. Furthermore, it is recognized that a hinged cover is not necessary and may be considered optional in favor of another coupling feature.

The covers 246 of barrier elements can be operated independently from the door 226 of the panel (Figure 8) and vice versa. When the covers 246 are closed (Figure 11) and the door 226 of the panel is closed, the covers 246 provide electrical isolation between the active electrical portions of the chassis 224 and the front door 226 without current, which allows to reduce the proximity of the panel of the assembly to a comparatively small value (about 14.6 cm (5.75 inches) in one example) that would otherwise be required without the covers.

Although three pairs of barrier elements 240 are shown in Figures 11 and 12, it is understood that other numbers of barrier elements, both major and minor, may alternatively be provided and that barrier elements may also be provided in locations other than the locations individuals shown in additional and / or alternative modalities.

In addition, the use of such barrier elements need not be dependent solely on the main service device 228 (Figure 8) but can be used to enclose any other portion of a component or conductor with electric current (for example, a portion of a busbar or a connector component).

Figure 13 is a partial front elevation view of a portion of the board assembly 220 and Figure 14 is a view of the complete assembly illustrating an integral load side disconnect switch 260 coupled to the chassis 224 at a lower portion thereof. The load side switch 260 is connected to the live bus bars of the chassis 224 and can connect or disconnect power circuits to the board in a manner other than the branch circuits associated with the fuse switch disconnect devices 110. As shown in Figure 13, the non-rectangular fuses 262 can be connected to the side loading switch 260.

The integral load side switch 260 simplifies the installation of the board assembly by eliminating any cable need and separately connecting a side load switch. Space is also saved, since adapting a wired commutator provided separately would almost inevitably require an amount greater installation space.

The load side switch 260, in addition to the main service device 228 which may also be switchable, provides additional possibilities for selectively coordinating the loads connected to the panel in case of failure, as well as for service and repair of the larger electrical system. In an exemplary embodiment, the main service device 228 may have a much higher voltage capacity (e.g., at least 225V) than the load side switch (e.g., at least 110V). Other variations and other voltage capabilities are contemplated in additional and / or alternative modalities.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the configurable derived housing cover 254 (also shown in Figures 11 and 12) for the fuse board assembly 220. Figure 16 shows the configurable derivative housing cover with exemplary fuse switching disconnection modules 110. Figure 17 shows the configurable derived housing cover 254 and the fuse switching disconnect modules 110 installed in the fuse board assembly.

As shown in Figure 15, the configurable derived cover 254 is a substantially planar element having a frame 270 and a series of perforations defining lid portions 272 and Selective of the frame 272. The series of lid portions 272 and 274 are arranged in a two-column array in the example shown, where the lid portions 272 and 274 are arranged in mutually adjacent pairs in each column. Of course, other arrangements in other modalities are possible.

Specifically, each of the lid portions 272 respectively defines an area corresponding to a rectangular opening 276 of a first size sufficient to accommodate and encircle a fuse-switching disconnection device of a first voltage capacity. Each of the lid portions 274 respectively defines a further immediate area next to one of the first lid portions 272, so that a larger rectangular opening 278 can be defined when the first and second portions 272 and 274 of the lid are removed. top.

As shown in Figure 18, when the first cover portions 272 of the frame 270 are removed, the resulting openings 276 (Figure 276) can accommodate a fuse switching disconnect device 110b with a lower fuse voltage capacity such as CUBEFuse ™ of 30A or 60A. When both lid portions 272 and 274 are removed, the resulting openings 278 can adapt fuse switching disconnection devices with a higher fuse voltage capacity, such as CUBEFuse ™ of 100A. Therefore, when withdrawing from By selectively selecting the lid portions, the varying voltage capacities in any of the branch circuits can be adapted.

In addition, the configurable cover 254 can cover unused connections in the chassis for the derived circuitry in a secure manner and, when necessary, the cover can be easily reconfigured by removing the additional cover portions, since a derivative circuitry is added. additional to the panel. In this way, a board assembly with a greater number of branch circuit capacities than necessary can be installed, wherein the configurable cover 254 still provides current protection without current and allows for the future ease of expansion of the electrical system to include additional branch circuits. .

Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary spare fuse 300 for the fuse board assembly 220. The spare fuse holder 300 can be mounted on the board assembly 300 in a manner similar to the fuseholder 206 (Figure 7), although it is recognized that there are several alternative ways and positions in which the fuseholder 300 can be mounted.

In the example shown, the spare fuse holder 300 is manufactured from a non-conductive material such as plastic formed in a generally rectangular body that includes slots capable of retaining, for example, a CUBEFuse 54a of 30A, a CUBEFuse ™ 56b of 60A or a CUBEFuse ™ 54c of 100A, each of which has different sizes, respectively. The spare fuses 56a, 56b and 56c can be retained in the replacement fuse holder 300 with a plug connection and can be easily removed when necessary. However, it is contemplated that other retention features will also be possible and that these can be used to secure the spare fuses 56a, 56b and 56c in the fuseholder. Although six spare fuses are shown in Figure 18, alternately larger or smaller numbers of spare fuses can be adapted.

An open fuse can be removed from one of the fuse switching disconnect devices 50 or 110 and replaced with one of the spare fuses 56a, 56b and 56c to quickly and conveniently restore the affected branch circuitry when electrical fault conditions occur. . By providing the fuse holder 300 and the spare fuses 56a, 56b and 56c in the panel assembly itself, it is not necessary for an expert to seek and obtain a possible suitable replacement and the circuitry can be restored more quickly.

Figure 20 illustrates yet another option for front panel assemblies without fuse current described, that is, a front door assembly 310 that can be mounted in a box such as those described above and enclose a chassis such as those described in the foregoing. The door assembly 310, like the one shown in Figure 20, is sometimes referred to as a door-to-door assembly and includes an interior door 312 and an exterior door 314 that can be operated independently from each other. In the example shown, the inner door 312 is defined within the outer periphery of the outer door 314. The inner door 312 is attached to the outer door 314 through a first set of hinges 316, 318 and the outer door 314 is joined to a box 320 through a second set of hinges 322, 324 and 326.

The interior door 328 includes a first assembly 328 which, when released, allows the interior door 312 to open around a first axis 330 extending through the hinges 316 and 316 in the direction of the arrow E. As such, the interior door 312 can be opened for exposing a first area of the fuse board assembly while the exterior door 314 remains closed.

The outer door 314 includes a retainer assembly 332 which, when released, allows the outer door 314 to open around a second axis 334 that is extends through the hinges 322, 324, 326 in the direction of the arrow F. As such, the outer door 314 can be opened to expose a second area of the fuse board assembly, while the inner door 312 remains closed.

In addition, both the interior and exterior doors 312, 314 can be opened to expose the first and second area of the fuse board assembly. Thus, by virtue of the interior and exterior doors 312, 314, different areas of the fuse board assembly can be exposed without having to remove the door assembly 310 from the box 320.

Table 2 is a comparison table for the panel assembly 200 in relation to other types of boards. In Table 2, the panel assembly 200 is identified as QSCP or QSCP4 in different versions with different amperage voltage ratings.

Table 2 The increase in the short circuit current rating (SCCR) by volume in relation to other known boards is significant, as can be seen.

Further improvements and also variations in the interruption ratings with different configurations of the panel assembly 200 and with different types of main service disconnect device are possible, as demonstrated in the following Tables 3 to 13.

Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Disconnection Volume SCCR Voltage Voltage Volume without Fuses # of Amperage Full circuit fuse Maximum FOM2 Type Maximum Board Circuits or CB derivatives Maximum mind FOM1 / / SCCR and Option Derivatives (inches3) (V) (A) classified Volume (A / without Load (A) (V / inches3) inches3] QSCP4 18 Fuse 3795.0 600 200 200,000 0.1581 53 QSCP4 18 Fuse 5750.0 600 400 100,000 0.1043 17 QSCP4 30 Fuse 5750.0 600 200 200,000 0.1043 35 QSCP4 30 Fuse 6785.0 600 400 100,000 0.0884 15 QSCP4 42 Fuse 5750.0 600 200 200,000 0.1043 35 QSCP4 42 Fuse 6785.0 600 400 100,000 0.0884 15 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Disconnection without fuses Volume SCCR Voltage Volume Type Board # of circuits Voltage Amperage ble completeMaximum of FOM2 and Maximum Fusi Switch Circuits Maximum FOM1 / Í SCCR of or CB derivatives (inches3) (V) Derivatives (A) classified Volume (A / disconnection (A) (Vi inches3) lateral of 3 inches) load QSCP4 18 Fuse 7935.0 600 400 200,000 0.0756 25 Table 11 Table 12 Table 13 Judging by the above tables, in particular all configurations shown with higher panel interruption ratings and, on occasions, much higher ratings, are possible compared to existing boards. In addition to the SCCR ratings per cubic inch, noticeable increases in voltage ratings per cubic inch can be observed compared to conventional boards, as shown in Table 1. Although a possible number of possible configurations and classifications have been tabulated, it is recognized that it is still possible to obtain others. The above tables are provided for illustrative purposes rather than limiting.

It is believed that, now, the benefits and advantages of the invention are amply illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments described.

An exemplary embodiment of a fpanel assembly has been described which includes: a chassis configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of fswitching disconnection modules for protecting the derived circuitry, wherein the plurality of switching disconnection modules The fincludes individually a switch housing and a rectangular fmodule that can be detachably inserted into and from the housing of the f commutator and wherein the plurality of fswitching disconnection modules includes at least two respective f having different amperage ratings and corresponding commutator housings with different size.

Optionally, the fswitching disconnection modules may include a mobile switch actuator for opening and closing a circuit path through the respective rectangular fmodule. Each of the fswitching disconnection modules may not include a branch circuit.

As another option, the board assembly can further include a main line service device with terminal elements, the chassis includes barrier elements physically isolating the respective terminals of the main service device and a cover extending between the elements of the main service device. barrier, the cover can move between an open position that grants access to the terminals and a closed position that blocks access to the terminals. A box and a door can also be provided, wherein the door can be moved relative to the chassis between an open position granting access to the chassis and a closed position that blocks access to the chassis, and the door can be provided separately and it can be operated independently of the cover. The cover may include a plurality of covers. The cover can be provided integrally with the barrier elements and the cover is hinged. The door can be a front door without current and a removable door rim can surround the chassis.

The panel assembly may also optionally include a line side main service device and a side load disconnect device separate from the fswitch disconnection modules. The chassis can include a busbar and the lateral load disconnect device can be connected directly to the busbar. In one example, the board assembly can have an amperage rating of at least 225A and the side load disconnect device has an amperage rating of at least 110A. The lateral load disconnect device may be a switch.

Optionally, a configurable derived case cover can be coupled to the chassis and adapted to surround the plurality of fswitching disconnection modules. The cover of the branch box can be configured by a to adapt fswitch disconnection modules selected by the . The cover of the derived box may have Configurable openings to receive fswitching disconnection modules of different sizes. The cover of the derived box may include a frame and a series of first release portions and second release portions, each of the first and second release portions being arranged in adjacent mutual pairs. The first releasable portion may correspond in size to a first outer dimension of a first fswitching disconnection module and, when detached from the frame, defines an opening that adapts the first outer dimension. The second releasable portion in combination with the first releasable portion corresponds in size to a second external dimension of a second fswitching disconnection module, through which, when the first and second detachable portions of the frame are detached, a opening that adapts to the second outer dimension. The first and second removable portions may be cap portions defined by perforations.

Optionally, a spare fuse holder can be provided and can be configured to store rectangular fuse modules of at least two different sizes. The spare fuse holder can be configured to store rectangular fuse modules of at least three different sizes. Different sizes can correspond to rectangular fuse modules with amperage ratings of up to 30A, up to 60A and up to 100A.

In exemplary embodiments, the board assembly can have a voltage rating of up to 600V AC and a current rating of about 400A. The assembly can have a current interruption rating of up to about 200kA. The assembly may have a width of about 50.8 cm (20 inches) or less. The assembly may have a volume interruption rating of at least about 25 amperes per cubic inch in one mode, at least about 35 amperes per cubic inch in another mode and at least about 53 amperes per cubic inch in Still another modality. The fuse board assembly can have a voltage rating per cubic inch of at least about 0.0143 in one mode and a voltage rating per cubic inch of at least about 0.1581 in another mode.

The board assembly may optionally include a front door assembly that includes an inner door and an outer door. The inner door and the outer door can move independently of each other to expose different areas of the board assembly without having to remove the door assembly. The inner door it can be defined within an outer periphery of the outer door. The inner door can be hinged on the outer door.

This written description uses examples to describe the invention, including the best mode and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, which includes manufacturing and using any device or system and performing any embodied method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples conceived by those skilled in the art. It is intended that such examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with non-substantial differences of the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A fuse board assembly characterized in that it comprises: a chassis configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of fuse-switching disconnection modules for protecting branch circuitry, wherein the plurality of fuse-switching disconnection modules individually includes a switch housing and a rectangular fuse module that can be removably inserted to and from the switch housing, and wherein the plurality of fuse switching disconnection modules includes at least two respective fuses with different amperage ratings and corresponding commutator housings of different size.

2. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse switch disconnection modules include a switch actuator that can be moved to open and close a circuit path through the respective rectangular fuse module.

3. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each fuse-switching disconnection module does not includes a branch circuit.

4. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a main line side service device having terminal elements, the chassis includes barrier elements physically isolating the respective terminals of the main service device and a cover which extends between the barrier elements, the cover can move between an open position that provides access to the terminals and a closed position that blocks access to the terminals.

5. The fuse board assembly according to claim 4, further characterized in that it comprises a box and a door, the door can move relative to the chassis between an open position that provides access to the chassis and a closed position that blocks access to the chassis. chassis and the door is provided separately and can be operated independently from the cover.

6. The fuse board assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover comprises a plurality of covers.

7. The fuse board assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover is provided integrally with the elements of barrier.

8. The fuse board assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover has hinges.

9. The fuse board assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the door is a front door without current.

10. The fuse board assembly according to claim 4, further characterized in that it comprises a removable door flange that surrounds the chassis.

11. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a main line side service device and a side load disconnect device separate from the fuse switch disconnection modules.

12. The fuse board assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the chassis includes a busbar and the lateral load disconnect device is connected directly to the busbar.

13. The fuse board assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the board has an amperage rating of at least 225A and the lateral load disconnect device have an amperage rating of at least 110A.

14. The fuse board assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the lateral load disconnect device is a switch.

15. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a configurable derived case cover coupled to the chassis and adapted to surround the plurality of fuse switching disconnection modules.

16. The fuse board assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the cover of the derived box can be configured by a user to adapt the fuse switch disconnection modules selected by the user.

17. The fuse board assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the cover of the derived box has configurable openings for receiving fuse switching disconnection modules of different sizes.

18. The fuse board assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the cover of the derived box includes a frame and a series of first peelable portions and second peelable portions, each of the first and second portions removable is arranged in adjacent mutual pairs.

19. The fuse board assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the first releasable portion corresponds in size to a first outer dimension of a first fuse-switching disconnection module and, when removed from the frame, defines an opening that fits to the first outer dimension.

20. The fuse board assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the second detachable portion in combination with the first releasable portion corresponds in size to a second external dimension of a second fuse-switching disconnection module, by means of which, when both the first and the second removable portions of the frame are detached, an opening is defined which adapts to the second outer dimension.

21. The fuse board assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the first and second detachable portions are cover portions defined by perforations.

22. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a spare fuse holder, the spare fuse holder is configured to store modules of Rectangular fuses of at least two different sizes.

23. The fuse board assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the spare fuse holder is configured to store rectangular fuse modules of at least three different sizes.

24. The fuse board assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the different sizes correspond to rectangular fuse modules having amperage ratings of up to 30A, up to 60A and up to 100A.

25. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly has a voltage rating of about 600V AC and a current rating of about 400A.

26. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly has a current interruption rating of up to about 200kA.

27. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly has a width of about 50.8 cm (20 inches) or less.

28. The fuse board assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the assembly has an interruption rating by volume of at least about 25 amperes per cubic inch.

29. The fuse board assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the assembly has an interruption rating by volume of at least about 35 amperes per cubic inch.

30. The fuse board assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the assembly has an interruption rating by volume of at least about 53 amperes per cubic inch.

31. The fuse board assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a front door assembly, the front door assembly includes an inner door and an outer door.

32. The fuse board assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that the inner door and the outer door can move independently from each other to expose different areas of the board assembly without having to detach the door assembly.

33. The fuse board assembly according to claim 32, characterized in that the inner door is defined within an outer periphery of the outer door.

34. The fuse board assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that the inner door is hinged on the outer door.

35. The fuse board assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the assembly has a voltage rating per cubic inch of at least about 0.0143.

36. The fuse board assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the assembly has a voltage rating per cubic inch of at least about 0.1581.